The Double

Chapter 165: Awakening

On the day of Yongning and Li Xian's grand wedding celebration, Jiang Li ultimately did not stay until the end. Since Jiang Yuanbai and the Li family were already on bad terms, merely attending the ceremony at the Li residence was already considered gracious—staying through the entire event was out of the question. After the banquet concluded, he led the Jiang family back to their residence.

Consequently, Jiang Li didn’t get to exchange more than a few words with Ji Heng. Strangely, when Ji Heng mentioned taking her life, Jiang Li’s heart remained utterly calm, without even a trace of hope for reprieve. It was likely because she felt that, for Ji Heng, ending her life was merely a matter of his whim. No matter how clever she was or what schemes she employed, under Ji Heng’s power, it would only be a futile struggle—like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

One must keep their promises—this was what she had once told Ji Heng, and now she had to abide by that commitment. Being able to accept and let go was the mark of a true gentleman.

Jiang Li wasn’t particularly troubled.

By the next day, Jiang Li rose in the morning, had breakfast, changed her clothes, and prepared to visit Xue Huaiyuan at the Ye family residence. She had intended to go the previous day but was unavoidably detained by the Li family event. With nothing pressing today, it wasn’t too late to go now.

Just as she reached the main gate of the Jiang residence, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure. It was A Shun, who served under Ye Mingyu. A Shun, upon seeing Jiang Li and her maids, was momentarily taken aback and asked, “Are you heading out, young mistress?”

Tong’er replied, “The young lady was just planning to visit the Ye family. We didn’t expect you to come.”

“A Shun, has something happened?” Jiang Li inquired.

A Shun scratched his head and said, “Young mistress, County Magistrate Xue has woken up. Physician Situ sent me to inform you.”

Jiang Li was stunned for a moment, as if only just processing the news, then hurried toward the carriage, saying, “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s set off at once.”

…

Tong’er and Bai Xue exchanged glances. Inside the carriage, Jiang Li tightly clutched the jade pendant in her hand. When Tong’er and Bai Xue spoke to her, Jiang Li responded absentmindedly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She wondered how Xue Huaiyuan would be now that he was awake—whether he would be in great agony or utterly despondent. Would he shed tears? Would he blame her, his daughter? The more she pondered, the more lost and helpless she felt. Jiang Li realized that even the father she had once known so well had now become a stranger to her. It seemed like a long time since she had properly spoken with her father.

The last time she had seen her father in a lucid state was before her marriage. After that, they had corresponded through letters but never met again.

Time passed so swiftly that before she knew it, the carriage had arrived at the entrance of the Ye residence. For a moment, Jiang Li suddenly lacked the courage to step out.

Bai Xue alighted first and reached out her hand to assist Jiang Li, asking, “Aren’t you coming down, young mistress?”

Jiang Li steadied herself and replied, “I’m coming.” She extended her hand toward Bai Xue.

No matter what, he was her father. Even in the face of immense suffering, in this world, only her father remained as Xue Fangfei’s family—the sole attachment Xue Fangfei had left in the mortal realm.

The Ye residence’s gatekeeper warmly greeted her, “Young mistress, you’ve arrived.”

Jiang Li nodded and followed Bai Xue and Tong’er inside. Though it was still the chilly early spring weather, she suddenly felt hot, with sweat beading on her palms and forehead. With each step she took, it seemed as though the sweat might drip down at any moment.Outside Xue Huaiyuan's room stood several people. Jiang Li approached and saw Ye Shijie, who appeared to have just returned from court, still wearing his official robes. Having not seen Jiang Li for some time, he called out her name. Jiang Li responded, "Cousin Ye," while her gaze involuntarily drifted toward the room.

Understanding her concern for Xue Huaiyuan, Ye Shijie stepped aside and gestured for her to enter. "County Magistrate Xue is inside. He's awake."

Jiang Li took a deep breath and stepped in.

Situ Jiuyue was packing her medicine chest, while Ye Mingyu sat nearby, sipping tea with an uncertain air. Haitang stood beside a figure seated on the edge of the bed—a mere seated silhouette that nearly brought tears to Jiang Li's eyes.

He sat as straight as a pine tree, though no longer tall and sturdy, bearing traces of age. Yet he remained her father, Xue Huaiyuan.

Noticing Jiang Li's entrance, Situ Jiuyue said, "You've come at the right time. I've examined him. His health is fully restored. From now on, my visits end here—he no longer needs me. The rest is your own affair to handle." Her tone was dismissive, but Jiang Li felt profound gratitude. She performed a deep bow of respect and said, "Miss Jiuyue, your kindness is etched in my heart. Without you, County Magistrate Xue would not be as he is now. If fate allows, I will repay this great debt."

For the daughter of a Grand Secretary to bow so deeply to a woman of no official status was highly irregular, yet no one in the room found it inappropriate. Situ Jiuyue sidestepped the gesture, frowning. "Why does everyone insist on grand gestures? What use are empty thanks? Your gratitude won't buy me silver. I've said it before—Ji Heng has already paid the price. We each got what we needed. No emotional entanglements necessary." With that, she strode out of the room without a backward glance.

"What an... unusual young woman," Ye Mingyu murmured from the doorway, finally settling on the word after a pause. "But that's how we folk of the jianghu are, A Li. Don't take it to heart."

"A Li?" A faint voice came from within the room. Jiang Li stiffened and looked up.

Xue Huaiyuan sat at the bedside, his gaze fixed on her in a daze, slowly repeating, "A Li?"

Jiang Li's hands clenched into tight fists at her sides, barely suppressing a sob.

"Yes, A Li," Ye Mingyu turned to Xue Huaiyuan. "Old sir, do you know our A Li?"

Only Jiang Li in the room understood that Xue Huaiyuan had said "A Li" as in his daughter's name, not the "A Li" others called her. Perhaps Ye Mingyu's words had stirred memories of his own child.

Jiang Li took two steps forward, allowing Xue Huaiyuan to see her face clearly while she studied his.

The once tall and lean man now resembled an elderly scholar, his hair entirely silvered, his face carved with the marks of time. His eyes slowly traced Jiang Li's features, the light in them gradually dimming—like embers in a dying fire, holding final sparks before surrendering to darkness.He smiled and shook his head gently. "Though I have never met you before, it turns out you are the Second Miss who saved me. Thank you for your kindness, Second Miss Jiang, for rescuing me from prison." He bowed respectfully.

He addressed her as "Second Miss Jiang."

In that instant, Jiang Li's expression shifted dramatically, and she nearly burst into tears. Since becoming Jiang Li, she had never felt there was anything wrong with this identity. On the contrary, she had even considered it a blessing from heaven. Seeking revenge as Jiang Li was far easier than doing so as Xue Fangfei. She had always been adept at consoling herself—since things had come to this, and it was beyond her control, she might as well accept it.

But now, standing before her father, being addressed as someone else and treated like a stranger, Jiang Li felt a surge of grievance. She longed to throw herself into her father's arms, just as she had in childhood, and cry out, "I am Ali! How can you not recognize me?"

But she couldn't. She could only restrain herself, offering a smile as calm as Xue Huaiyuan's, and step aside to avoid his bow. "There is no need for such formalities, County Magistrate Xue. Moreover, as my elder, I truly do not deserve such a gesture from you."

Xue Huaiyuan replied, "I have heard from Haitang about what happened earlier. I know that in Tongxiang, it was Second Miss Jiang who stood up for justice. On behalf of the people of Tongxiang, I must also thank you for dealing with Feng Yutang."

Jiang Li said, "It was merely a small effort."

Wearing the identity of a stranger, the distance between her and Xue Huaiyuan suddenly felt immense. She didn't know what to say, and Xue Huaiyuan showed no particular closeness toward her. In fact, Jiang Li found Xue Huaiyuan's demeanor somewhat unexpected.

He wasn't overwhelmed with pain, nor was he disheartened—at least, he appeared perfectly composed on the surface. It was almost as if those painful events from the past had never occurred. He was polite, restrained, and courteous toward everyone, yet there was an added layer of detachment.

This was no longer the Xue Huaiyuan of the past. Others might not notice, but Jiang Li knew—the matters concerning Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao had ultimately changed her father.

Jiang Li asked, "What are your plans from now on, County Magistrate Xue?"

Xue Huaiyuan fell silent.

After a moment, he said, "My former name was Xue Lingyun."

Everyone in the room was taken aback, even Ye Shijie, who had just entered from outside, turned to look at Xue Huaiyuan. Xue Huaiyuan continued, "It has been nearly twenty years. I think it is time to change my name back."

"You wish to return to the court as an official?" Ye Shijie frowned.

Xue Lingyun replied, "I merely wish to try."

"How is that possible?" Ye Mingyu exclaimed. Though he knew little about official matters, he found the idea unbelievable. "Old Master Xue, how old are you now? How can you become an official? Besides, securing an official position isn't easy these days. You either need connections or must pass the imperial examinations. Which path do you intend to take?"

Xue Huaiyuan smiled faintly. "This year's spring examinations are approaching. Back when I was Xue Lingyun, I had several close colleagues in the court. They have since been promoted quite well. It shouldn't be difficult for me to participate in the spring examinations. After passing the palace exams, there will be an audience with the emperor… Naturally, I will have the opportunity to meet His Majesty."Ye Shijie asked, "Are you planning to present a grievance before the emperor during the palace examination, or when you have an audience with His Majesty?" The Ye family had now learned that both children of the Xue family had met untimely deaths, likely under unjust circumstances. Ye Shijie, quick-witted, immediately grasped this possibility.

"No," Xue Huaiyuan denied.

"Then why?" Ye Shijie was puzzled.

"I merely hope that during the palace examination, His Majesty will remember me. Moreover, the emperor already knows the full story of the Tongxiang incident, is aware of my existence, and has some understanding of Xue Lingyun. He is bound to take notice of me."

Jiang Li said softly, "Does County Magistrate Xue wish to become an official?"

Xue Huaiyuan glanced at her and replied with a faint smile, "For common people to obtain justice is exceedingly difficult. I must climb higher to gain the authority to uncover and investigate the truth."

Jiang Li felt profound sorrow. Her father still wanted to clear their names and avenge them. But he also knew that their adversary was Prince Cheng's sister, a princess of high status and power. And Shen Yurong was no longer the impoverished scholar from Tongxiang; he had transformed into the newly favored Imperial Secretariat Writer trusted by the emperor, with a boundless future.

Meanwhile, Xue Huaiyuan was now nothing. He had even lost his minor official position as County Magistrate of Tongxiang. In Yanjing City, Xue Huaiyuan was like an ant, unable to shake a giant tree. So he needed to become Xue Lingyun again. The same Xue Lingyun who had once disdained the corruption of officialdom and voluntarily left, now had to return to that world for his own sake.

But how could she bear to let her father re-enter that foul and murky environment? To engage in ruthless struggles with those wolves who devour people without spitting out bones? Seeking revenge might seem purposeful, but in the process, one continuously loses things and pays prices—such as human kindness and dignity. Becoming cold and unfeeling was something she could do alone; why must her father be dragged into it?

Ye Mingyu said, "Old Master Xue, you make it sound easy. But the palace examination... heh, do you really believe you'll definitely achieve a ranking in the spring examination?"

Xue Huaiyuan smiled faintly, "I'll simply do my best." Though his words were modest, the confidence in his expression clearly showed he didn't consider his previous statement a joke. His smile made Ye Mingyu freeze, feeling as if his own words were the foolish ones that shouldn't have been spoken.

Hearing this, Ye Shijie felt admiration for the elderly man before him. At such an advanced age, he was willing to return to officialdom for his children. Xue Huaiyuan appeared utterly confident, and Ye Shijie believed this was assurance rather than arrogance. If Xue Huaiyuan said he would achieve a ranking in the spring examination, he truly would. In their current situation of seeking the truth for Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao, this approach was indeed the most reliable. Most importantly, this idea had occurred to Xue Huaiyuan immediately after regaining consciousness.

From waking until now, perhaps less than two hours had passed, yet he could think so far ahead—this was truly remarkable. Ye Shijie had reason to believe that this Xue Huaiyuan was indeed the same person as the former Xue Lingyun who had served as Minister of Works.Ye Shijie said, "I don't think County Magistrate Xue needs to seek out former colleagues. Official circles are fickle—those who were once your friends may not be willing to do you favors now. Let me handle this instead."

Everyone in the room was momentarily stunned.

Ye Mingyu asked, "Shijie, what are you up to?"

"As a current Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, I do have some influence there. If Mr. Xue... wishes to take the spring imperial examinations, I can help arrange it." He no longer addressed Xue Huaiyuan as "County Magistrate," since that was no longer his position.

"Young man, you've already helped me so much..." Xue Huaiyuan began to decline when Ye Shijie spoke again.

"This isn't free assistance," he said. "I currently serve in the court but lack allies due to personal reasons. The fact that you once rose to become Minister of Works demonstrates your talent. If you succeed in the spring examinations and palace exams, and eventually secure an official post, I hope you'll remember to support me. Mutual assistance is crucial in official circles."

By the end, he had adopted the shrewd demeanor of a businessman.

After a moment of astonishment, Xue Huaiyuan suddenly laughed. "Very well. With such words, Young Master Ye, you don't really need my help to establish yourself in the court."

"Then it's settled..."

"No, it's not." The interruption came from Jiang Li.

She had been silently listening to the conversation between Ye Shijie and Xue Huaiyuan, but now she couldn't hold back. She couldn't bear watching her father compromise his principles for her sake—the man who always taught her to stay true to herself now having to engage in such dealings was more than she could endure.

Looking directly at Xue Huaiyuan, she said solemnly, "County Magistrate Xue, I understand your concerns. I also know your urgency to return to office stems solely from the matters concerning Xue Fangfei and Xue Zhao. I'm already investigating these matters, and within two months, there will be results. I can guarantee the perpetrator will pay for what they've done. Therefore, there's no need for you to reenter official service."

"Moreover," she continued before Xue Huaiyuan could respond, "these are turbulent times with constant internal strife in the palace. No one can say how long Yanjing City's peace will last. It's possible that before you reach your desired position, court upheavals might occur, making things worse instead."

Her words inevitably brought to mind the current tensions between Prince Cheng and the Hongxiao Emperor.

"County Magistrate Xue, you shouldn't focus solely on revenge—you should focus on living well," Jiang Li said. "If your children were still here, that would be their only wish."

Xue Huaiyuan remained quiet for a while, perhaps considering the validity of Jiang Li's words. He didn't mention returning to official service again, instead turning to Ye Mingyu and the others. "Could you please step outside for a moment? I'd like to speak with Second Miss Jiang alone."

Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li, who said, "Uncle, it's fine. Please go out."

Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie left, and though Haitang wanted to stay, Ye Mingyu made her leave too. Suddenly, only Xue Huaiyuan and Jiang Li remained in the room.

"Second Miss Jiang." Xue Huaiyuan looked at her, his tone still as gentle as always, just as he had spoken to her in the past. For a fleeting moment, Jiang Li felt as if none of this was real—as if it were all just a spring dream, and when she woke, she would see Xue Zhao sneaking back through the door asking, "Sis, is Father home?""I heard from Third Master Ye that when you were in Tongxiang, you mentioned you intervened to save them because of a connection with the Xue family. Haitang also told me it was you who rescued her and healed the injuries on her face. You even intend to uncover the truth for Fangfei. You are the savior of our Xue family, but I’ve heard that Miss Jiang went to Qingcheng Mountain at the age of seven and only returned to Yanjing City a year ago. Before that, you had never been to Tongxiang. What I want to know is, what connection does Miss Jiang have with our Xue family that you would go to such lengths to help us?"

Xue Huaiyuan’s eyes remained as sharp as ever—he always saw straight to the heart of the matter. People often said Fangfei’s temperament resembled her father’s, though she was gentler than Xue Huaiyuan.

Helping the Xue family was indeed something Jiang Li had taken too far. Even Jiang Yuanbai had expressed dissatisfaction with her over this matter. In others’ eyes, it was an unusual act. The excuse of having a connection with the Xue family could fool some people, but if any members of the Xue family were still alive, the lie would easily be exposed. For instance, facing Xue Huaiyuan, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

At that moment, Jiang Li almost had the impulse to tell Xue Huaiyuan that she was, in fact, Xue Fangfei. But she restrained herself.

Would Xue Huaiyuan believe her? After all, this was a matter of the supernatural. And Xue Huaiyuan had always been the least inclined to believe in ghosts or gods. But what if he did believe? It seemed he would probably be overjoyed. However, after the incident with Princess Yongning, Jiang Li’s life might have to be “returned” to Ji Heng. If he were to reunite with his daughter only to lose her again, could Xue Huaiyuan bear it? Perhaps it was better for him not to know she was Xue Fangfei from the start, sparing him another heartbreak.

Jiang Li steadied herself and said, "I have no connection with the Xue family."

Xue Huaiyuan’s face showed no surprise, as if he had already guessed as much.

Jiang Li continued, "The one with a connection to the Xue family is someone else. I am merely acting on their behalf. Besides, the culprit is also an enemy of my Jiang family, and we are bound to clash sooner or later. So, helping the Xue family is also helping the Jiang family. County Magistrate Xue, you need not take it to heart."

Xue Huaiyuan looked at her for a long moment before saying softly, "I see."

Jiang Li knew he didn’t believe her at all. Her father was not one to easily trust others, especially after all that had happened. Moreover, her excuse was far from perfect.

"In that case, County Magistrate Xue," Jiang Li said, "give me two months. In two months, there will be some progress in Fangfei’s case. Once the matter is resolved, the truth is revealed, and the culprit is brought to justice, I will tell you everything I know. But you must promise me not to act rashly."

She thought to herself that in two months, once Princess Yongning’s “pregnancy” disappeared, everything would change. After this matter was settled, if Ji Heng spared her life, she would tell Xue Huaiyuan that she was Xue Fangfei, and they would be reunited as father and daughter. If Ji Heng was determined to take her life, she would vanish from this world with the secret. As long as Xue Huaiyuan lived on safely, that would be enough.

Xue Huaiyuan nodded. "Very well." After a pause, he added softly, "My own daughter, yet it falls to someone else to avenge her."Jiang Li had never seen Xue Huaiyuan like this before. He was always full of vitality, never backing down from any difficulty—not like now, resigned to his fate, helpless, speaking with self-mockery.

“No,” Jiang Li said. “This isn’t about revenge. It’s about ‘justice.’ There is still ‘justice’ in this world, County Magistrate Xue should remember that. When you helped the people of Tongxiang County back then, did you ever think about repayment? Your aid to those villagers was just like what I’m doing now—neither of us seeks anything in return. Perhaps Heaven is fair; the goodwill you sowed has borne me as its good fruit.”

She hoped Xue Huaiyuan could be happy, no longer dwelling on these matters or tormenting himself.

Xue Huaiyuan looked at her and said, "Miss Jiang, if I may be so bold, your tone of speech is very much like my daughter's."

A father speaking of his daughter—that affectionate tone, tinged with suppressed grief, was deeply moving.

Jiang Li sat before him, her heart screaming ten thousand times, "I am Fangfei," yet she couldn't utter the words. The heart-wrenching pain of "gazing at each other yet unrecognized"—today she experienced it with raw intensity.

She smiled, the tears in her heart invisible to all, and said, "To resemble Miss Xue is an honor."

Xue Huaiyuan was taken aback, giving her a deep look. "Thank you."

Over the past year, Xue Fangfei had been labeled the most shameless woman in Yanjing City, scorned by everyone. For Jiang Li to call it an honor was, to Xue Huaiyuan, likely a great comfort.

"I heard Third Master Ye call you A Li," Xue Huaiyuan said.

"Yes."

"Fangfei's childhood name was also Ali," Xue Huaiyuan gazed outside, "written with the character for 'raccoon cat.'"

Jiang Li held back her tears and said, "If Magistrate Xue doesn't mind, you may call me A Li. After all, others won't be able to tell the difference."

Xue Huaiyuan looked at her, and Jiang Li met his gaze with a smile. After a moment, he turned away and said, "No, let's not."

"A Li is dead, Miss Jiang. You are not her."

...

Jiang Li walked out of the room. After speaking with her for a while, Xue Huaiyuan felt a headache coming on. Situ Jiuyue had mentioned that he needed plenty of rest after just waking up, so Haitang came in to care for him, and Jiang Li didn't want to intrude.

When she stepped outside, Ye Mingyu and Ye Shijie immediately gathered around.

Ye Shijie asked, "What were you talking about with him inside just now?"

"Nothing much, just about the things I did in Tongxiang. He was very grateful," Jiang Li replied with a smile. "It was nothing significant."

"A Li, don't you think that Old Master Xue isn't an ordinary person?" Ye Mingyu rubbed his hands together. "Ever since he woke up this morning, I've felt uneasy all over. When he was out of his senses, I could spend every day with him and didn't feel anything amiss. But now that he's clear-headed, it's like he's a different person. I'm even a little afraid of him and not used to it. I always feel like I'm at a disadvantage in front of him. Why is that? He's eating my food and living in my house, so why do I feel guilty?"

"Uncle must be mistaken," Jiang Li said with a laugh. "Magistrate Xue is a good person. You're probably just not used to him."

"Maybe," Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li. "You're still the best, able to stay calm and composed around him."

"Mr. Xue is remarkable," Ye Shijie turned to Jiang Li. "Now I believe he truly is Xue Lingyun, the former Minister of Works."

"If he could really become your teacher, Cousin, you would benefit greatly," Jiang Li said seriously. "Magistrate Xue is staying at the Ye residence now. If you have free time, you should seek his advice on difficult problems. What he can offer you is truly substantial."

"Hey, your own father is the Grand Secretary. Why don't you praise your old man like that?" Ye Mingyu teased.

Jiang Li shook her head. In her view, Jiang Yuanbai understood the art of being an official, with the emphasis on "being." Xue Huaiyuan understood the art of being an official, with the emphasis on "official."

As for who was more skilled, perhaps each had their strengths, but Jiang Li still preferred the latter."Come to think of it, before Old Master Xue recovered, I didn't notice it," Ye Mingyu observed Jiang Li with keen interest. "But now that he's regained his health, I realize he actually resembles you somewhat, especially when he smiles."

"He's much more pleasant to look at than Jiang Yuanbai."

Even when lying down, the juniper still gets hit by stray arrows. Hahaha.

(End of Chapter)